This 50s production is a gem, partly because of its cast, a veritable
galaxy of actors and actresses led by the radiant Elli Lambeti and the
talented Dimitris Horn. Orestis Makris as the cruel businessman gives a
heart-wrenching performance, as does Vassilis Logothetidis as the honest
engraver turned forger. Mimis Fotopoulos and Sperantza Vrana play their
streetwise characters with relish, and Ilya Lyvikou is a marvel to
watch. The other starring role, usually kept in the background, is that
of Athens herself. One can witness its transformation from the
village-like neighborhoods to the "polykatoikies", a novelty at that
time, as well as the less fortunate corners of the city. Scenes from the
New Year's celebration make the movie particularly timely.

The plot is narrated by Dimitris Myrat and features four successive
stories intertwined by the possession of a forged coin. Lyrical, and
regularly bordering on melodramatic, it always returns to realism.